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Residents urge faster pedestrian-safety fixes after fatality at Cole and Stevenson
Summary
Several residents told the Enumclaw City Council on June 22 that a recent pedestrian death at Cole and Stevenson requires interim safety measures such as signage, flags and lighting while larger engineering work is planned.
Several residents urged the Enumclaw City Council on June 22 for quicker pedestrian-safety improvements at the intersection of Cole and Stevenson following a January crash that later resulted in the death of a local resident.
A resident who spoke during public comment said city staff had previously described a timeline that could delay work until January and asked whether interim funding or measures could be provided sooner. "We would still wish to have an update regarding how we're moving forward on the Stevenson Cole area," the resident said, adding a plea to avoid another death.
A longtime resident and Navy veteran recounted the dangers posed by speeding and distracted drivers. "We need lights to stop the speeders that have their phone in their ear and not paying attention," he said, and suggested targeted enforcement (including speed measures) while physical improvements are arranged.
City resident Nora Tackenboge said the intersection lacked visible signage and urged low‑cost interim actions such as hand‑held safety flags used in other towns: "I just hope that Eileen's death wasn't in vain," she said.
Cindy Proctor, a longtime resident, pressed the council to reconsider previously denied traffic‑calming requests for Rilla and Melody Lanes, highlighted missing ADA curb ramps, increased cut‑through traffic, on‑street parking that blocks sight lines, and the presence of a nearby bus stop and trailhead that increase pedestrian exposure. She offered lower‑cost options such as reflective mid‑block markings and reinforced the need to evaluate street improvements as development continues.
Council members acknowledged the comments during committee reports: public‑safety staff noted staffing and enforcement plans and said a block‑camera system would be online in mid‑July. The council did not take a formal action on these public requests during the meeting; residents were left with the expectation staff would follow up with more detail after the meeting.
